WOOD SPECIES:
Teak
SCIENTIFIC NAME:
Tectona grandis
OTHER COMMON NAMES:
Teak, Burmese Teak, Burma Teak, Djati, Genuine Teak, Gia Thi, Jati Sak, Kyun, Mai Sak, Pahi, Rangoon Teak, Rosawa, Sagon, Sagwan, Tadi, Teca, Teck, Tegina, Tekku, Tik, Tsik
TYPICAL USES:
Common uses for teak lumber include boat building, furniture and cabinetry, carving and turning applications, and flooring.
SOURCES:
Africa, Central America, Asia
AVG BENDING STRENGTH:
13,800 psi
SPECIFIC GRAVITY:
0.56
AVG WEIGHT:
40 lbs/cu.ft.
SAPWOOD COLOR:
Teak sapwood is generally of a pale yellow to creamy white hue.
HEARTWOOD COLOR:
Teak heartwood is typically a golden brown color, darkening somewhat with age and exposure.
GRAIN:
Teak grain is most often straight, with occasional wavy or interlocked patterns.
TEXTURE:
The texture of Teak lumber is coarse, with medium open pores.
LUSTER:
Typically dull.
MOVEMENT:
Seasoned properly, Teak wood exhibits strong dimensional stability.
DURABILITY:
Teak is well known for its resistance to decay and, as such, is considered to be very durable.
BLUNTING EFFECT:
Severe blunting of cutting edges is seen when working with Teak lumber.
CUTTING RESISTANCE:
Teak can be quite resistant to cutting and sawing operations. Tungsten carbide tipped cutting tools are highly recommended.
PLANING:
Sharp knives and reduced cutting angles are required for best results.
TURNING:
Teak turns well, assuming sharp cutting tools and proper speeds.
BORING:
Boring operations are best served with the sharpest tools possible.
GLUING:
Teak glues with little to no problems. Some stock may require a solvent in order to remove/reduce the natural oils present.
NAILING:
Pre-drilling is highly recommended.
SCREWING:
Pre-drilling is highly recommended.
STAINING:
Teak reportedly finishes well, with some stock requiring a wipe-down with solvent to remove the natural oils.
